Friday, 30 January 2015

A speed camera is set to start enforcing the 30mph limit on Coldean Lane. This limit was cut from 40mph last June, and the camera, which has been in the street for many years, was covered over to enable drivers to get used to the change.

Now the cover has been removed and the camera adjusted for the new speed.

The speed limit was cut following a consultation locally about a 20mph speed limit. Fifty seven per cent of local residents supported the change from 40mph to 30mph.

The camera is intended to deter cars reaching dangerous speeds travelling down the hill. An early vehicle-activated sign warns if a car is exceeding the limit, and of the camera’s presence further on. So it should work.

Thursday, 29 January 2015

It appears that a pedestrian link from North Street to the Hannington Lane development is now back on the agenda. The original proposals for such a link would have required demolition or substantial alteration of the 18thC. Timpson building in North Street. These proposals were dropped from planning application BH2013/00710 following the listing of the Timpson building.

Listing of a property does not mean that it cannot be substantially altered, or even demolished, but rather that listed building consent has to be applied for, and then the local planning authority has to balance the property's historic significance against other issues such as its function, condition or viability.

Western elevation of Puget's Cottage

It is understood that listed building consent in respect of Timpson and Puget's Cottage behind, will shortly be applied for by the Hannington Lane developers. This application will propose the demolition of Timpson and full external restoration of the older Puget's Cottage behind. By virtue of such works a footpath will be established from North Street to Hannington Lane which passes alongside the western elevation of Puget's Cottage. The footpath will be paved with period brick setts.

The Timpson building is in poor condition, has been substantially altered inside and what remains of its original structure may be hidden. Prior to any demolition, a full structural survey is proposed to record for posterity all details of historical significance.

The original proposal for the Timpson site showing the new footpath to the right.

Sunday, 11 January 2015

Last month Brighton lost a great Brightonian in Andy Durr. Labour Councillor and ex mayor of Brighton, University Lecturer, Andy was more recently known as the founder of the Brighton Fishing Museum on the seafront where he spent much of his time.

I first met Andy when studying at Brighton Polytechnic whom Andy had been with since it was the Art School. He taught history on their M.A. in regional and local studies. Andy introduced me to much interesting local material, and inspired me to pursue my interests in this direction.

Andy was a down to earth character who combined a simple way of communicating with a bright intellect. He had much of his own education through trade unions and the labour movement, but was also a historian of design and saw much of his work as embracing Raymond Williams definition of culture, seeing the combination of the artistic and fishing quarter on the seafront as the realisation of a dream.

His funeral was attended by many people from all walks of life and political beliefs. His family and extensive network of friends will miss him as will the seafront.